What Determines a Car’s Insurance Group?

The group number is set by the Group Rating Panel, which includes members of the Association of British Insurers (ABI) and Thatcham Research. They assess new models using several key factors:

• Repair costs: Cars that are quicker and cheaper to fix score lower.
• Performance: Faster acceleration and top speeds usually mean higher groups.
• Value: Expensive cars cost more to replace, so they sit higher on the scale.
• Parts prices: Imported or specialist components push up costs.
• Safety features: Cars with strong crash protection and driver aids can score lower.
• Security rating: Alarms, immobilisers, and keyless entry resistance also influence the final number.

Put simply, cars that are safer, slower, and cheaper to fix tend to fall into the lower groups; while high-performance or luxury models sit at the top.

How to Check Your Car’s Insurance Group

There are several quick ways to find out what group your car belongs to. You don’t need to call your insurer or dig through paperwork; most tools only need your registration number or make and model.

• Thatcham Research: The official UK authority for vehicle group ratings. Their website lets you check by make, model, and year.
• Parkers: Offers an easy lookup tool with added details on model variations and running costs.
• Honest John: Lists full group tables for popular cars, great if you’re comparing models before buying.
• Confused.com: Combines group information with live insurance quote comparisons.

Once you’ve entered your details, you’ll see a number; usually followed by a letter (like “Group 10E”). The letter shows how the car’s security rating affects its group. “E” means it performs better than expected for its class, “A” means average, and “P” means it hasn’t been fully tested yet.

Why It Matters When Buying a Car

Knowing a car’s group before you buy can save you a nasty surprise when you go to insure it. Two cars that look similar on the surface might sit several groups apart; and that can mean hundreds of pounds’ difference in annual premiums. Smaller hatchbacks like the Ford Fiesta or Hyundai i10 tend to sit around groups 3–10, while larger SUVs and performance cars can reach the 40s or higher.

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, focus on group 1–15 cars. They’re cheaper to insure, easier to maintain, and often ideal for new drivers or those with tight budgets. On the flip side, if you crave speed or luxury, be prepared to pay the premium for the privilege.

Why Your Premium Might Still Differ

Even if you and a neighbour drive identical cars, you may still get different quotes. That’s because insurers use more than just group numbers. Your age, driving history, postcode, annual mileage, and even job title all feed into the calculation. The group rating is just one ingredient; but it’s a key one, especially when comparing potential new cars.

In short, think of the group as a baseline. It sets the tone for your insurance, but your personal details and driving record write the rest of the story.

Tips for Lowering Insurance Based on Group

If you’re aiming to keep your premiums down, a few smart choices go a long way:

• Pick a car with a lower insurance group when you next upgrade.
• Choose trims with smaller engines or without costly modifications.
• Keep security features active and registered with your insurer.
• Don’t be swayed by sporty-looking models; they often sit higher on the scale even if they’re not fast.

And always check the group before signing for a new car. It’s one of the easiest ways to avoid unexpected insurance hikes.

Useful UK Resources

• Thatcham Research – Insurance Group Ratings
• Parkers – Car Insurance Groups Guide
• Confused.com – Check Your Car’s Group